A flowing, natural running-script version of the Song of Everlasting Sorrow emerged from Lu Zheng’s brush.
The strokes were well-spaced, the ink shades perfectly balanced, both form and spirit fully captured, with effortless control in every movement.
The poem was outstanding, the calligraphy superb. As soon as he finished, all the women gathered around the table to admire it closely.
On her way back, Bi Xinyu had heard Shen Ying roughly recount the story of Emperor Ming of Tang and Yang Guifei. Now, gazing at the Song of Everlasting Sorrow, her eyes sparkled with excitement and deep emotion. “Am I to play Yang Yuhuan?”
Shen Ying rolled her eyes. “How is your dancing?”
Bi Xinyu twisted her waist in a sensual, captivating sway, alluring yet unstructured. She sighed regretfully. “Does that mean it will go to Hu Caina instead?”
Du Yueyao laughed quietly. “Caina really does dance the best.”
Hu Caina’s dances were seductive and enchanting, graceful and varied. She could be ethereal, dignified, pure, or sensual, switching styles effortlessly, each with its own charm. Her rare talent for dance had even impressed Ao Qian during lessons, who said it matched the professional instructors of the Dragon Palace.
For a production of the Song of Everlasting Sorrow, Yang Guifei’s dance scenes were essential. With Hu Caina in the role, the opera would gain immense brilliance.
“Tomorrow, invite the ladies from Five Beauties Villa.” With a thought from Shen Ying, a Peach Blossom Heavenly Maiden received the instruction, drifted out of Peach Blossom Villa, and headed straight for Five Beauties Villa.
…
The afternoon and dinner passed mostly in discussion.
At the start of the xu hour, back in Tonglin County, Lu Zheng had originally planned to cross to the modern world and read The Palace of Eternal Youth once through. Instead, Liu Qingyan followed him home with shy hesitation.
Very well, tomorrow then. Enjoy tonight first.
…
Early the next morning, Liu Qingyan and the others remained full of enthusiasm and set off again for Peach Blossom Villa.
Lu Zheng sent the women ahead, crossed to the modern world himself, read The Palace of Eternal Youth from cover to cover, infused a strand of fortune light to imprint the entire text in his mind, then arrived at Peach Blossom Villa by noon. By then, the five women from Five Beauties Villa, along with Bi Xinyu and Mo Lan, had also arrived.
“Everyone here?”
“Just waiting for you, Lu Lang.”
“We were just discussing how to arrange the plot, and how to choreograph the dances and music, especially the Rainbow Skirt and Feathered Robe Song.” Shen Ying approached with Bai Ting’er to greet him.
“The Rainbow Skirt and Feathered Robe Song.” Lu Zheng clicked his tongue. “That one will be difficult.”
The melody had been composed by Emperor Ming of Tang, the dance created by Yang Guifei. Both were long lost. Later generations had produced many adaptations, but in Lu Zheng’s view none had true quality or spirit.
Though the lyrics could draw from The Palace of Eternal Youth, the actual composition and choreography would have to be original.
Fortunately, Lu Zheng had invested fortune light in his music attribute, reaching top-tier level if not the absolute best. Composing a piece was manageable. As for the dance, there was Hu Caina.
“Come on, let’s begin.”
Everyone was eager. Xiao Cui prepared brush and ink. They pooled ideas and started adapting.
…
“Wow, Young Master Lu is incredible.”
“This plot arrangement is wonderful.”
The Palace of Eternal Youth was, after all, one of ancient China’s four great dramas. Lu Zheng took a pragmatic approach, made clear adjustments to suit this world, and wrote with fluid inspiration. Scenes, transitions, lyrics, and verses flowed onto the paper.
The women gathered around him, reduced to exclamations of admiration.
Lu Zheng did not copy every detail of the original, which ran to over a hundred thousand characters. He simply wrote the key scenes, dialogues, and lyrics, enough for rehearsal.
The heart of the drama lay in its music and dance.
A girl of the Yang family comes of age, the Tang emperor and Guifei first meet, prosperous court dances in peacetime, rebellion forces a hurried retreat…
Ordinary dances were straightforward. Lu Zheng, Bai Ting’er, and several Peach Blossom Heavenly Maidens composed quickly, producing high-quality pieces. Paired with Hu Caina’s choreography, they were dazzling. Yet the climax, the Rainbow Skirt and Feathered Robe Song…
Even with Lu Zheng’s skill, several attempts at rhythm felt slightly off.
Just then, a qin note rang out.
“Ding ding… clong clong…”
The sound was clear and delightful. At first it evoked a forest morning with light birdsong, then mist clearing as feathered robes rose in dance, and finally bright sunlight with rainbow skirts filling the sky.
Everyone listened rapt, as if transported to an immortal realm. When the piece ended, the lingering notes echoed on.
As the final tone faded, Lu Zheng turned and saw Si Lingxi seated beneath an ancient tree in the courtyard. Before her stood an antique qin with flowing-water patterns, red strings faintly glowing, wisps of spiritual energy drifting around. She looked like a celestial immortal.
“Feathered robes rise in dance, rainbow skirts everywhere. Is this the Rainbow Skirt and Feathered Robe Song?”
“Such a beautiful piece. Only this could truly deserve the name.”
Lu Zheng shook his head. “No, believe me. This qin melody is definitely better than the original.”
Si Lingxi’s lips curved in a faint smile. “You flatter me. After reading the Song of Everlasting Sorrow and hearing the story, I felt inspired and composed it. If it suits, use it as the song.”
“Then we will accept without ceremony.” Lu Zheng laughed.
“Yes, yes.” Bai Ting’er clapped and smiled.
Hu Caina felt the pressure. “A masterpiece like this requires a peerless dance to match. I must think carefully.”
Si Lingxi smiled faintly. “No hurry. Your talent is exceptional. You will create something wonderful.”
Hu Caina nodded eagerly, promising to do her best.
…
For several days, everyone immersed themselves in arranging the Song of Everlasting Sorrow.
Lu Zheng provided the plot and turning points. The group brainstormed lyrics together. Bai Ting’er and the Peach Blossom Heavenly Maidens handled composition. Si Lingxi served as artistic director, offering precise, penetrating insights on wording, lyrics, melodies, and even dance poses.
A single comment often brought immediate improvement.
Her artistic mastery, befitting a three-thousand-year-old spirit, operated on an entirely different level.
Through this one production, the women felt they had learned a great deal, and their own artistic skills rose noticeably.
Stimulated by Si Lingxi, Lu Zheng’s musical foundation deepened, his cooldown periods shortened. He spared no accumulated fortune light, investing heavily in music.
A few days later, he could occasionally offer comments under her guidance, share opinions, even discuss ideas briefly.
This left not only the women gazing at him in awe, but Si Lingxi herself looking at him with surprise.
Beyond cultivation and chess, he possessed such talent in music too?
Truly the favoured son of heaven.
